Size / Weight / Age

Biology
Glossary
(e.g. epibenthic)

Considered a poor aquarium fish. Is a scavenger-predator with a voracious appetite. This perennial roamer remains still only when it is getting ready to attack a prey. It moves about in small packs, never quietly but at a frantic pace, following the leader in its moves, stopping and digging in the sand when it does so or grazing on the biocover (Ref. 6770). Extreme size dimorphism present among males, with both sizes displaying different behavior and reproductive performance (Ref. 85351).

Males collect empty snail shells which are then carried to the nest site (Ref. 47165). Females enter the shells to spawn and care for the brood, fanning the eggs and larvae for 10-14 days (Ref. 47165).